FDA-Approved Cellulite Treatment
Many people are becoming more self-conscious about cellulite and are searching for the best method for improving the contours of their body. One must however be careful not to confuse fact and fiction to avoid problems. Following U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved methods of cellulite removal can help improve your chances of having long-term results with lower risks.
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Facts
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Cellulite is a French term used to describe the subcutaneous fat cells that result in an uneven, lumpy appearance of the subcutaneous fat layer. This sometimes gets confused or associated with cellulitis which is an infection of the subcutaneous fat. While cellulite affects mostly middle-aged women, it can also affect men and women in their 20s. It is most commonly found on the thighs, buttocks and stomachs. This looks like lumps and dells in the skin caused by uneven herniation and accumulation of fat lobules and separated by fibrous bands. While cellulite is not a harmful condition, it is considered a skin imperfection that most people are self-conscious about.
Thermage
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Thermage was approved by the FDA in 2007, and is one treatment option for cellulite. It is a device that tightens and thickens skin fairly uniformly, including the areas of the body where fat is herniating. This method reduces the lumpiness of cellulite as well as the diameter of the thighs and buttocks. While one treatment is often enough, no treatments are 100 percent perfect. This option is mild in the pain factor and can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. There are a variety of these kinds of treatments that use radio-frequency energy and infrared light in order to heat up the fat cells and simultaneously smooth them out with roller suction.
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Creams
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While creams are one treatment option for cellulite, it is not considered a medical treatment, and therefore does not need FDA approval. There is no scientific evidence as to whether the creams work. The extent of what is known is that it helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite over the period of three to four weeks, but must be used continuously to keep any positive results.
Liposuction
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Another FDA-approved cellulite reduction method is liposuction, which is a treatment option that surgically removes fat deposits. Using liposuction can be a two-edged sword because it leaves skin lax, which can sometimes make liposuction more apparent. This is a long and expensive procedure in which general anesthesia is needed, and typically the after-effects include pain, bruising and lax skin that will have to be taken care of in a follow-up procedure.
Myths
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There are many myths surrounding cellulite, and it's time to set the record straight:
--Cellulite only occurs if you are overweight. The reality is, most women have cellulite, even thin and fit women. Cellulite often makes its appearance around the hips, buttock and thighs, but can appear on other parts of the body as well.
--Dieting will help reduce cellulite. Dieting by itself will not rid your body of cellulite. Some diets can actually increase your body percentage of body fat. While some body fat is essential and helps to protect organs and maintain a good body temperature, having a body mass index of more than 32 percent is considered obese.
--Toning your body will reduce cellulite. While toning and firming exercises will help with the appearance of cellulite, you will more often than not still have the cellulite because deposits of cellulite are not readily used by your body for fuel.
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